Caitlin Clark named Indy 500 grand marshal

Caitlin Clark will take a featured role in one of Indiana’s biggest annual sports events this weekend. Indianapolis Motor Speedway said on May 19 that the Indiana Fever star will serve as grand marshal of the 110th Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, May 24. In that role, Clark is set to deliver the traditional command for drivers to report to their cars during the official pre-race ceremony. FOX Sports and the speedway said the command will air during FOX’s race-day broadcast. ### What exactly will Caitlin Clark do on race day? Indianapolis Motor Speedway said Clark’s grand marshal duties include giving the ceremonial call that sends drivers to their cars before the race. The speedway’s May 19 announcement said the command will be shown live on FOX’s Race Day broadcast. FOX Sports described the assignment as Clark commanding drivers to their cars for the Indy 500. (indianapolismotorspeedway.com) Clark said in the speedway announcement that she was “honored” to represent Gainbridge as grand marshal for the race. The event is formally billed as the 110th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. ### Why is Clark tied so closely to this event? Gainbridge was central to the announcement. Indianapolis Motor Speedway identified Clark as a Gainbridge brand ambassador, and the race itself carries the company’s name as presenting sponsor. (indianapolismotorspeedway.com) FOX Sports’ report also referred to Clark in that role. The Indiana connection is also direct. (indianapolismotorspeedway.com) Clark plays for the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, and her appointment links one of the state’s highest-profile athletes with its signature motorsports event. Associated Press coverage carried by Indiana Public Media said Clark had not previously taken part in race-week activities because of her basketball schedule. ### Why is this getting attention beyond motorsports? Caitlin Clark has become one of the most visible athletes in Indiana since joining the Fever, and the speedway’s announcement places her in a prominent pre-race television moment. FOX said the command will come during its live race-day coverage, giving the ceremony a national broadcast window. (ipm.org) CBS Sports reported that the green flag for the race is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. ET on Sunday. That timing means Clark’s appearance will come during the heavily watched pre-race buildup at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. ### What else is happening around the race this week? Pato O’Ward entered the week with an additional complication after a crash in practice. (indianapolismotorspeedway.com) RACER reported on May 19 that O’Ward was forced into a backup car after being involved in Monday’s major practice accident. The report said the move followed the big crash during Monday’s running at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (cbssports.com) Separate reports on Monday’s incident said Alexander Rossi, O’Ward and Romain Grosjean were involved in the crash and exited their cars under their own power. That added a competitive subplot to a race week otherwise dominated, in part, by Clark’s ceremonial appointment. (racer.com) ### When and where does the next step happen? Sunday, May 24, is the date set for the 110th Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Indianapolis Motor Speedway said FOX’s Race Day broadcast starts at 10 a.m. ET and runs through the checkered flag, with Clark’s command scheduled as part of the official pre-race ceremonies. (indianapolismotorspeedway.com) (indystar.com)